Papillon gained a famous victory in the Martell Grand National at Aintree today for the father-and-son team of trainer Ted Walsh and jockey Ruby.
The subject of a massive gamble on the morning of the race - backed from 33-1 to 10-1 - the Irish-trained nine-year-old raced prominently until taking over three out after firstly Star Traveller and then Lucky Town had cut out the running.
As they crossed the Melling Road, Norman Williamson was going ominously well on Mely Moss with Niki Dee, Brave Highlander and Addington Boy all in with a chance.
But Walsh kept Papillon up to his work and, after jumping the last two fences in good style, the combination stayed on dourly to hold Mely Moss (25-1) by one and a quarter of lengths and land the #290,000 winner's purse. Niki Dee (25-1) was 12 lengths back in third.
Brave Highlander, carrying the Aldaniti colours, finished fourth at 50-1.
Dark Stranger was sent off the 9-1 favourite, but came down at the third fence giving champion jockey Tony McCoy a heavy fall.
Last year's winner Bobbyjo raced prominently until fading on the second circuit after some indifferent jumping. -PA
